Who are these ignorant Jews? The highly educated, socially conscious, comedy-loving, Holocaust-honoring 1.2 million American Jews who identify themselves as Jews of no religion, according to the Pew survey. This group has been steadily growing for four decades and now includes one-third of all adult Jews born after 1980. Four-fifths of this group marry non-Jews. Only 8 percent raise their kids to be Jewish. The majority of them feel little or no attachment to Israel.

I call them ignorant because they’ve turned their back on something they don’t even know. Many have never been exposed to Judaism at all; others have experienced a diluted, dumbed-down version, and understandably found it uninspiring. I don’t blame them for consequently writing off the whole religion, but it’s like writing off sushi after trying a rubbery tuna roll from 7-Eleven.

I know about this because I was one of them. For years, I was proud to be Jewish, but I thought Judaism had nothing to offer me. I had received two messages from my parents:

1) Be Jewish to preserve the Jewish people.

2) Be Jewish because your grandfather died in the Holocaust. My mother is a child survivor of Theresienstadt, with lifelong health problems occasioned by her treatment there. Her father was murdered at Dachau, and most of her extended family was killed at Auschwitz. My father is a Chilean Jew who had to fight his way out of several scrapes with anti-Semites. We never owned a German car. We rejoiced when Israeli commandos rescued the hostages at Entebbe on July 4, 1976.

I sought spirituality everywhere but my own backyard.

And yet, Judaism was understood to be a chore. Temple was boring but obligatory a few times a year. My bar mitzvah was more of a performance than a meaningful experience. As I grew older, I sought spirituality in Eastern philosophy, meditation, endurance sports, jam bands, transcendental poetry and science fiction — everywhere but my own backyard.

Eventually I found my way back, thanks to a confluence of events. My grandmother died. I stumbled into the right shul. I got a taste of deep Judaism, and a constellation of secular myths exploded around me. I found that our ancient tradition spoke to me in innumerable ways, even while I remained scientifically oriented and modern. More to the point, I became a better husband, father, son, brother, friend and citizen when I became a practicing Jew.

As I learned from Arthur Kurzweil, there is a rope that connects every Jew to God. Sometimes these ropes break. When a broken rope gets retied, however, the distance between the Jew and God becomes shorter. Interestingly, I often feel I have more in common with practitioners of other faiths than I do with devoutly secular Jews who cringe at “God talk.” Among the former, there exist an amazing 1.2 million American non-Jews who identify themselves as people with Jewish affinity. They do so mostly because they share religious values with us, and because Jesus was Jewish. I find this support comforting – evidence of the great freedom we enjoy in America to practice our own religion. Ironically, it may be this very lack of persecution that leads so many of our brothers and sisters to devalue their own religious heritage, and eventually to abandon it altogether.

“Whoever does not visit the sick is as if he spilled blood,” said Rabbi Akiva. He spoke these words after visiting a sick man whom no other Sage would visit. He saw that the man lacked basic necessities, attended to him personally and saved his life. We bear the same obligation toward those who are spiritually sick today.

We who are connected to God through the rope of Judaism have a sacred duty to help the unconnected retie the knot. If they get a taste of quality Judaism, and still leave it behind, OK, they’ve made an informed choice. The vast majority of these folks, however, have no idea what they’re missing.

Our fellow Jews suffer from tragic levels of ignorance. They’ve never experienced a Carlebach service, they’ve never excavated layers of text with a great teacher, and they’ve never seen a relationship improve through mussar work. They simply don’t know that inspiring Judaism exists.

I think it’s fantastic that Jewish institutions are creating fun, welcoming, inspiring events to greet the curious when they show up. The group I’m talking about, however, will not show up. Chocolate fountain Shabbats and comedy club Yom Kippurs will not get them through the door.

The connected have to do the connecting, starting with our closest friends.

So we need to knock on their doors. Call it crowd-sourced outreach. The connected have to do the connecting, starting with our closest friends. We have to invite our secular pals to our Shabbat dinners. When they come, we have to make it warm and festive, modeling the benefits we’ve gained from Torah Judaism. I’d like to give special props to my dear friends Rabbi Shlomo “Schwartzie” Schwartz and his wife, Olivia, who have hosted such Shabbats for 60 people at a time for 30 years.

If you’ve got a special ability to connect the unconnected, please use it. My own plan is ambitious, but God blessed me with a little miracle in 2005 when I became the Accidental Talmudist. As a result of that miracle, I have a huge opportunity to visit the sick, and I am seizing it. I post morsels of Jewish wisdom on Facebook.com/AccidentalTalmudist every day, and the page now has more than 10,000 fans. I share a mission with dedicated organizations like Chabad and Aish, who are putting vast libraries of Judaism online. The problem with the Internet, however, is that people only consume what they’re looking for, sparing little time for material that doesn’t draw them. Even the things they do like can only hold their attention for a few minutes at a time.

Television, however, is different. People stumble onto shows all the time as they search for something to watch, and if they’re intrigued, they’ll stay for half an hour. That’s a huge opportunity to give Jews and potential Jews a taste of deep Judaism. Currently, there is quite a bit of Jewish culture on TV, but the only Judaism available is Jews for Jesus and Kabbalah Centre. That’s why I’m creating a fast-paced reality show in which I meet the most dynamic, inspiring, humorous teachers of Jewish wisdom, and challenge them to address the thorniest questions in modern life – the kind of show that would’ve caught my attention when I was sick. (If you’d like to join me in this effort, please reach out:salvador@accidentaltalmudist.com.)

The key is to take our Judaism to the Jews who need it most. The reward for this mitzvah is enormous. Every morning we read in our siddur that a person who visits the sick enjoys the fruit of the mitzvah in this world, and the principal remains intact for him in the World to Come (Shabbat 127a, Babylonian Talmud). The reward in the next world is necessarily mysterious. The reward in this world, however, is clear: a healthier community and a stronger tribe.

Visitor Comments: 41

(23)
Anonymous,
November 15, 2013 5:14 PM

Beautiful in theory but ..not experience.

Sadly, I have come to the conclusion that people use any previous disconnection agianst you at their lesure as a form of calling into question your character or questioning your belonging in "their" community. My experience has been like swimming against a riptide and I am a casualty of this foolish constant joustling for standing-politics. I found myself facing prying questions constantly, though inspired by a few, it spreads like wildfire to many. (Many of these are ironic given the accuser.) I volunteered at lot at my last synagogue and was repaid by someone furthering rumors and innuendo in my new community. The accusations are even more outrageous and increasing daily. It started as just a tremendous waste of time but has turned far more serious. Love G-d, love learning and think Judaism is beautiful, but if we are playing the clique game and disparaging others, I'll pass. Maybe Hashem wants me to lead a secular life.

Kenan Moss,
December 23, 2013 3:47 PM

why be anonymous?

I can sympathize with you. I can also understand the point of view in the above article. Many people forget what a Bar Mitzvah is about. It's about maturing: it's about taking responsibity for ones own life. Judaism is not about living other peoples lives for them but, it is also not about jumping to conclusions, making uninformed decisions. My Grandfather taught me that holding an opinion, on whatever subject, without have informed oneself was un-Jewish. I'm 68. I'd never read the Torah until a Catholic Priest I gave Hebrew lessons to, asked me a question that I couldn't answer. He made me remember my Grandfather's maxim: so I started to read Aish.com's parashot. What impressed me most about the Torah was not the answers but, the questions. Good questions will promote a constant search for knowledge and the Toratic questions a darn good ones. It is a pity that some people see only the two dimensional monochromatic answers and not the four dimensional polychrome questions on which we should be able to journey into the far distant future. I do hope this will have some meaning to you.

(22)
Anonymous,
November 14, 2013 4:18 PM

Jew by choice

After 70 years, I converted to Judaism for a multitude of reasons, one of which was the ability to excavate layers of text with a great teacher, my Rabbis. Yes, an inspiring Judaism exists, and many of my friends are "Jew by Choice", many of which are very involved in expanding their knowledge of Judaism, and living a Jewish life.

(21)
Jerry Meents,
November 13, 2013 9:49 PM

Shaygets

I was born non-Jewish because my mother was not Jewish., but I never met people like Miri wrote about.. I became Jewish because all those people. Here in America, Holland and special in Israel. As a little boy I was never rejected, but by Christians an lot. So Miri there are lot of Jewish people with a neshoma.

(20)
Miri,
November 12, 2013 11:05 PM

You can't draw in "birth" Jews while pushing away converts / spouses

Many Jews are pushed away because they see the horrible treatment of non-Jewish friends and family. The fact is that all the hand wringing about "intermarriage" is just bigotry, pure and simple. It's not always about maintaining traditions. Secular Jews worry just as much about the "blood" of kids' future spouses. This pushes those kids far away from Judaism. If people that they love will never be considered truly Jewish, even after years of study and conversion, why should they bother to draw closer to the religion they were born into?

(19)
Yadeinu,
November 12, 2013 10:09 PM

Great Resource to share with a Fellow Jew

Partners in Torah (www.partnersintorah.org) can arrange a FREE personal study partner over the phone, or in person, to any Jew who wishes to learn more about ANY Jewish topic! There are so many Jews out there who simply don't know what they don't know, and Partners in Torah can help them get connected with a fellow Jew and explore their own heritage.

(18)
ray,
November 12, 2013 6:05 AM

First things first

first thing they need to realize is that there is a God. No point in discussing anything before that is clear - http://dafyomireview.com/article.php?docid=398

Salvador Litvak,
November 13, 2013 4:06 AM

G-d Talk

Amen, Ray. That's why all of us who are comfortable talking about our love of G-d need to do so publicly.

(17)
Anonymous,
November 12, 2013 5:21 AM

Turning away from ignorance

"I found that our ancient tradition spoke to me in innumerable ways, even while I remained scientifically oriented and modern". I relate to the author's above comment even though I am not Jewish.Also, coming from Japan, I also agree that people should not be put off by Sushi without trying it at a quality restaurant !

Anonymous,
November 13, 2013 4:07 AM

Sushi

LOL, my pal from Japan.

(16)
roxanne,
November 11, 2013 10:45 PM

Thank you for being someone who is taking action to make a difference. Judaism is beautiful and connecting with HaShem changes us. Also thank you so much to Aish for being a light of Judaism and not judging.

(15)
Beverly Kurtin,
November 11, 2013 7:56 PM

How to find them...

Here is how you can keep unaffiliated Jews away from your shul’s front door. First, have the person with the most negative attitude answering the phones, that way you won’t be bothered with new people coming into your congregation. Make certain that the person who answers the phone is as negative as possible and as flippant as you can find: Scare them away.

Failing that, if a person happens to come in anyway, tell your regular members to IGNORE THEM. Do NOT talk to them, do not welcome them in any way. Make them feel so unwanted they will never return.

Whatever you do, keep the rabbi away from the individual; if he DOES speak with the newbie, make certain that he or she brushes them off as quickly as possible, after all, why should a newcomer hog his/her time?

Hashem forbid that a “crip” attends one of your services. Make very certain that you have no place for a wheelchair to park. Show crips how unwelcome they are by not having a ramp so that if, heaven forbid, they join and are offered an honor, they are unable to get to the bima. (Isn’t there a place for people like that?)

With those few steps, you can keep pesky new people from affiliating with your congregation. After all, if you get new people and they bring in new people, etc., etc., you may have to expand your facilities and we all know what a pain in the neck a building fund can be.

I know that is what kept me OUT of affiliating for about 30 years.

Anonymous,
November 13, 2013 4:12 AM

Affiliating

Thank you for sharing your horror story. I don't know where you live, hopefully there is a shul that is more welcoming. As Hillel said, all of Judaism can be summed up by "What is hateful to you, do not do to someone else." Sadly, too many Jewish institutions never got the memo. Please don't give up, there are great community and community leaders out there. If you ask G-d for help in finding your place, you will find it.

(14)
Roch,
November 11, 2013 12:59 PM

When ask for help

When ask for help in the jewish community, they are often turned down as not being 'good enough'. This is very sad.

Salvador Litvak,
November 13, 2013 4:13 AM

Tragic

Roch, what you describe is tragic, and precisely what we are fighting against.

(13)
Rich,
November 11, 2013 4:21 AM

Yes, but...

What really discourages me is the double standard embedded in orthodox judaism. Although the double standard is much less than in other religions, there really should be none, because we claim to be a light to the nations (actually it is even beyond our claim, it is imposed upon us by Hashem to be a light to the nations). One case in point, the issue of "aguna", whereby a few non-ignorant orthodox men leverage the GET to coerce their future ex-wives-to-be for benefits not granted to the husband by civil courts. We have to put fences around the Torah. The Torah needs to be protected. In most litigations undertaken by the Beit-Din, the Beit-Din tries the best to find a win-win solution within the parameters of the Halacha for the litigants in whatever the case may be, exept in the case of the "aguna". Many rabbis side with the wife. However, coercing the husband for a GET is a no-brainer solution. The halachos within GITTIN and other talmudic texts need to be studied under the microscope if necessary to really find a win-win solution with minimum pain to the failed marriage partners. They both already have suffered enough.The knowledge about issue of the "aguna" is spreading to the non-jewish world, and is not making us look good, especially if we have to be a light to the nations!

Salvador Litvak,
November 13, 2013 4:19 AM

Aguna

Amen, Rich. It's a huge problem, and one in which halacha has fallen behind. The world has changed, even in haredi circles. If these men don't respect their Rebbes and Ravs enough to give the get when asked, then Torah has been violated, and we need proper protection for the wives.

(12)
Anonymous,
November 11, 2013 2:32 AM

I agree

It is amazing that I read this article tonight. This past shabbos my wife and I ate at the home of a more observant friend. It was beautiful. So just this morning we decided to invite friends to our house for Shabbat dinner as often as we can. It occurred to me that would could show our friends how nice Shabbat observance can be. It could be my mission to educate my friends about the beauty of Shabbat dinner. What a coincidence that I would read this article tonight. Or is it?

Anonymous,
November 13, 2013 4:21 AM

Shabbos

Of course there are no coincidences, my Accidental Shabbos Host pal! :-)

(11)
Daisy Harari mayer,
November 10, 2013 8:45 PM

Survivors

Yes we must continue to be Jewish because of all the people died from Abraham still this days. So we can be free and Jewish. And it is a moments also to remember the Jewish from the Arab countries.

Anonymous,
November 13, 2013 4:23 AM

Jews Everywhere

You're right - that's more than enough reason. But if that doesn't work for an unconnected Jew, we've got to inspire him or her some other way.

(10)
Prof Marianne Uitzinger,
November 10, 2013 8:06 PM

The most timely article in a long time!

thank you for placing this article. Salvador LItvak touched the heart of the matter! From a South African side, I will do anything to help, as I absolutely share in his vision. much respect and honour!

Salvador Litvak,
November 13, 2013 4:51 AM

Professor Marianne, Thank you for the support! Please go to SavladorLitvak.com/Accidental-Talmudist and join my email list so you'll always be in touch.Your pal,Sal

(9)
eli,
November 10, 2013 8:05 PM

rabbis must set examples

i lein ie read torah at a traditional orthodox shul , i am sometimes angered by the rabbi and chazan who seem to communicate that davening isnt important . the rabbi and his son often talk going from person to person like a bee from flower to flower , talking away. the chazan has an ability to say aleinu in 10 seconds and the amida in 20 , literally .then they wonder why the shul is diminishing so much

Anonymous,
November 13, 2013 4:25 AM

Yakkers

Eli, it drives me nuts when people talk during services. Whenever you notice somebody who does daven with kavanah, thank him.

(8)
David K.,
November 10, 2013 7:22 PM

Fortunate to Re-Connect

Like you I reconnected or maybe connected for the first time to Judaism later in life. I was always a proud Jew and fervent anti-semitism around me kept me Jewish but connecting to our faith was far more difficult. It took me years, some unique circumstances and the right mentor to show me the path and since then I can't go back to nothingness again. This isn't a new phenomenon, its been there since we became a nation in the desert. The same jews who created the golden calf are still here with us today, their new idol is liberalism and complete denial of our heritage, as they did in the desert so many years ago. There's no Moses to fight for our souls today so the onus is on us. I admire your passion and commend you on your efforts.

Anonymous,
November 13, 2013 5:18 AM

On Moses' Team

Very well put, David K! Thank you for the support. Together we can do a lot. Please join up at SalvadorLitvak.com/Accidental-Talmudist so you'll always be in touch.Your pal,Sal

(7)
rachel,
November 10, 2013 7:20 PM

amazing!

I am on the same page as the speaker he is 100 percent right, most jews have no idea what true judaism is all about and i support him 10000 percent, if i can do anything to help please let me know, i wanna be part of this too! i came from a non observant family and when my mother put me in ye=shiva when i was 14 i started learning about judaism and eventually i graduated high school fully observant, i feel so lucky that G-d gave me this opportunity to return to my jewish roots!

Anonymous,
November 13, 2013 5:15 AM

Rachel, It's wonderful that your mother put you in yeshiva at age 14. Too many Jews have no Jewish education. Please my join my mailing list so we'll always be in touch. SalvadorLitvak.com/Accidental-TalmudistYour pal,Sal

(6)
Anonymous,
November 10, 2013 6:34 PM

Want to learn about Judaism not being practicing jew

Anonymous,
November 13, 2013 5:11 AM

Partners in Torah

Check out http://www.partnersintorah.org and tell them Sal sent you,

(5)
Devora Ruth,
November 10, 2013 5:36 PM

Finding Jews who are ignorant of Judasim

The had part is finding them. One we can get them to walk in the door, we can begin- that is the hard part. They must realize that they have not been taught- they haven't been given access to the knowledge they need.

Anonymous,
November 13, 2013 5:09 AM

Finding them

Absolutely right, Devorah. Let's pray that we find them, and when we do, let's be sure to model the blessings we've received from our tradition.Your pal,Sal

(4)
Pam,
November 10, 2013 5:20 PM

Fabulous

I so appreciate and hope we all do more. I'm still looking for what my "more" is to give as a recent concert though my enthusiasm has been shared with many non- or less-observant Jews. Still I know I have been given so much more than it have given back so any ideas where I can help in your plan are appreciated.

Anonymous,
November 13, 2013 5:07 AM

What is my "more"?

Great comment, Pam. Ask Hashem what your "more" is. Ask in private and out loud - no mental talk. Events will come your way to reveal the answer. I wish you infinite hatzlacha in your outreach!

(3)
Anonymous,
November 10, 2013 5:00 PM

Remenber the Holocaust was just 6mil Jews killed but 6mil of others like Poles etc

Im proud to be Jewish.... I was born 1944. but what saddens me how so many Jews believed that the Holocaust was only killing of Jews...They are shocked when they are told that Poles were exterminated and other ethnics that were not German... even Germans who had the chutzpa to question the Nazis..... perhaps if we want people like Poles to stop hating us then WE should acknowledge their losses and suffering. Are we not ALL from the same mold? God made Adam and Eve!!!

Anonymous,
November 13, 2013 5:03 AM

Holocaust

You're right, we must never forget any genocide.

(2)
Carlos Sorto,
November 10, 2013 4:49 PM

Thanks

Some time in my long path to conversion wonder so many things ,one have no answer Why Just the love for Israel , like in the library you pick up a significant Book, like the Joy of Entebbe rescue , Is our time to write History and we are bless with your observations and practical way of thinking , your article today help to understand the root cause Ignorance hope many are turn in diferent direction by your article in the way film have been influnce by CineCollage thanks

Anonymous,
November 13, 2013 5:01 AM

Carlos, thank you for your support and welcome to the tribe! Please join my mailing list at SalvadorLitvak.com/Accidental-Talmudist so you'll always be in touch.Your pal,Sal

(1)
Anonymous,
November 10, 2013 12:36 PM

please clarify

"Currently, there is quite a bit of Jewish culture on TV, but the only Judaism available is Jews for Jesus and Kabbalah Centre.'It seems to me you are doing needed and holy work but I don't think it is clear enough in your article that those two organizations portraying Judaism on TV are pushing a "strange fire"/counterfeit version.I suggest you not mention them at all as likely some readers will go there as a result.If you feel a mention is needed then so is comment.While It's obvious to those in the know many who read Aish online have a limited Jewish education and are vulnerable to being innocently misdirected.

Anonymous,
November 13, 2013 4:57 AM

"Judaism"

You're right - thanks for pointing it out. I didn't want to be sarcastic, but Judaism that is not based on Torah is not Judaism.

I live in rural Montana where the Cholov Yisrael milk is difficult to obtain and very expensive. So I drink regular milk. What is your view on this?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Jewish law requires that there be rabbinic supervision during the milking process to ensure that the milk comes from a kosher animal. In the United States, many people rely on the Department of Agriculture's regulations and controls as sufficiently stringent to fulfill the rabbinic requirement for supervision.

Most of the major Kashrut organizations in the United States rely on this as well. You will therefore find many kosher products in America certified with a 'D' next to the kosher symbol. Such products – unless otherwise specified on the label – are not Cholov Yisrael and are assumed kosher based on the DOA's guarantee.

There are many, however, do not rely on this, and will eat only dairy products that are designated as Cholov Yisrael (literally, "Jewish milk"). This is particularly true in large Jewish communities, where Cholov Yisrael is widely available.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein wrote that under limited conditions, such as an institution which consumes a lot of milk and Cholov Yisrael is generally unavailable or especially expensive, American milk is acceptable, as the government supervision is adequate to prevent non-kosher ingredients from being added.

It should be added that the above only applies to milk itself, which is marketed as pure cow's milk. All other dairy products, such as cheeses and butter, may contain non-kosher ingredients and always require kosher certification. In addition, Rabbi Feinstein's ruling applies only in the United States, where government regulations are considered reliable. In other parts of the world, including Europe, Cholov Yisrael is a requirement.

There are additional esoteric reasons for being stringent regarding Cholov Yisrael, and because of this it is generally advisable to consume only Cholov Yisroel dairy foods.

In 1889, 800 Jews arrived in Buenos Aires, marking the birth of the modern Jewish community in Argentina. These immigrants were fleeing poverty and pogroms in Russia, and moved to Argentina because of its open door policy of immigration. By 1920, more than 150,000 Jews were living in Argentina. Juan Peron's rise to power in 1946 was an ominous sign, as he was a Nazi sympathizer with fascist leanings. Peron halted Jewish immigration to Argentina, introduced mandatory Catholic religious instruction in public schools, and allowed Argentina to become a haven for fleeing Nazis. (In 1960, Israeli agents abducted Adolf Eichmann from a Buenos Aires suburb.) Today, Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin America with 250,000, though terror attacks have prompted many young people to emigrate. In 1992, the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 32 people. In 1994, the Jewish community headquarters in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 85 people. The perpetrators have never been apprehended.

Be aware of what situations and behaviors give you pleasure. When you feel excessively sad and cannot change your attitude, make a conscious effort to take some action that might alleviate your sadness.

If you anticipate feeling sad, prepare a list of things that might make you feel better. It could be talking to a specific enthusiastic individual, running, taking a walk in a quiet area, looking at pictures of family, listening to music, or reading inspiring words.

While our attitude is a major factor in sadness, lack of positive external situations and events play an important role in how we feel.

[If a criminal has been executed by hanging] his body may not remain suspended overnight ... because it is an insult to God (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Rashi explains that since man was created in the image of God, anything that disparages man is disparaging God as well.

Chilul Hashem, bringing disgrace to the Divine Name, is one of the greatest sins in the Torah. The opposite of chilul Hashem is kiddush Hashem, sanctifying the Divine Name. While this topic has several dimensions to it, there is a living kiddush Hashem which occurs when a Jew behaves in a manner that merits the respect and admiration of other people, who thereby respect the Torah of Israel.

What is chilul Hashem? One Talmudic author stated, "It is when I buy meat from the butcher and delay paying him" (Yoma 86a). To cause someone to say that a Torah scholar is anything less than scrupulous in meeting his obligations is to cause people to lose respect for the Torah.

Suppose someone offers us a business deal of questionable legality. Is the personal gain worth the possible dishonor that we bring not only upon ourselves, but on our nation? If our personal reputation is ours to handle in whatever way we please, shouldn't we handle the reputation of our nation and the God we represent with maximum care?

Jews have given so much, even their lives, for kiddush Hashem. Can we not forego a few dollars to avoid chilul Hashem?

Today I shall...

be scrupulous in all my transactions and relationships to avoid the possibility of bringing dishonor to my God and people.

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